Selecting the Best Learning Style for Your Child

Were we all taught the same way when at school? Most of us would agree with the fact that we were taught in the same structured manner, so at times some of the learners succeeded while the others either grappled to learn and were labelled as being slow to learn or not smart ones.

Today the idea-‘Different strokes for different folks’, surely has taken the wheel of learning by the day and is out helping more and more people become aware of how everyone can learn with varied approaches in Montessori schools, primary schools, middle schools and secondary schools.

This gathered understanding has started empowering educators and learners alike to embrace diverse approaches, fostering an environment where everyone can discover their unique paths to knowledge and success. As we celebrate these varied methods, we create a richer, more inclusive educational landscape that honors the individuality of every learner and it would even add to enrichment if the parents too can be helped to gain an understand around it early on. The process of understanding the modalities is crucial to the development of the learning style. This can be successfully achieved through enhanced observation of the learner when he or she is engaged in any kind of activity.

Why Is Observation Crucial?

Observation ignites curiosity, inspires experimentation, and fuels a child’s unique learning journey. For adults, observing a child’s individual styles and responses, unlocks pathways to deeper understanding. This practice enhances the awareness of the learner’s needs and equips the facilitator to support the teaching-learning experience effectively. By attentively observing the engaged learner, we empower children to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, allowing them to navigate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors with greater insight-aiding in aligning the school’s approach. This approach helps parents gives them a perspective when they are engulfed with the question which are the best Top 10 CBSE schools near me, be it Montessori schools, primary schools, middle schools and secondary schools.

When to Observe?

The best way to observe a child at home during his would be during free play time when the child has the autonomy to explore their interests, make choices, and interact with their environment. This unstructured time reveals their natural tendencies, creativity, and problem-solving skills, providing valuable insights into their learning style and developmental needs. The natural setting brings the dominant learning style to the brim, making it easier for the observer to identify the learning modality.

What Should be Observed?

When observing a child in a natural setting, such as during playtime, one can look for indicators of the seven different learning styles. Readers might wonder why, among the top 10 CBSE schools near me, only I am getting to read such detailed insights here on what to consider when evaluating them. We firmly believe in team work and hence it would be a good idea to share our learning to grow together.

Visual learners may be drawn to colorful toys or enjoy drawing, building blocks, playing with puzzles, coloring, drawing, sketching and using videos as visual aids. 

Auditory learners are naturally into enjoying storytelling, singing, listening to music as they play. They can also learn faster through discussions, brainstorming when resolving an issue, ideating over games, listening to an audio or a podcast or even following the verbally given instructions to the T in comparison to the others. 

Kinesthetic learners are mostly hands-on, using their bodies to explore and interact with their environment, whether through jumping, climbing, or manipulating objects, drama, role plays, making illustrations, charts, flashcards and building blocks.

Interpersonal learners flourish in social interactions, like play dates, group games role-playing activities and theatrical games or casual collaborating with peers.

Intrapersonal learners radiate when they are left to themselves as they prefer solitary play or work of any sort, cuddled in their quiet reading or work station nook, showing deep focus and self-reflection as they engage with activities.

Linguistic learners will demonstrate a love for words through scrabble, and or any form of word games, writing the learned content, and also often narrating their actions or creating stories, as they play. 

Finally, logical-mathematical learners may flawlessly display strong problem-solving skills, arranging toys in patterns or counting items ,solving puzzles, riddles or any kind of logical challenges, interest in chess, Sudoku, or other mathematical games, seeking clarification for scientific concepts and logical explanations, understands charts, graphs, or outlines and or GPS maps at an early age.

By noting these patterns, parents can gain insights into their child’s preferred learning style and can not only themselves support their development effectively but also let the school and the teacher know the preferred modality to expedite the learning process.

What Can Observers Do

• Avoid interfering or pressurizing the children to perform.
• Avoid assuming or stating our opinion while recording evidence.
• Not record anything we do not see.
• Not label behaviors, actions or feelings.
• Avoid using subjective, bias or judgmental terms.
• Avoid using exaggerations and conditional words.

When we recognize and provide a platform to adapt to various learning styles, we empower students to become active participants in their education and fuel their metacognition, helping them identify strengths and weaknesses, leading to more effective and personalized learning experiences.

Manita Hathi

Public Relations Officer

National Public School ITPL